CIT Sailors Compete in Los Angeles

Cork Institute of Technology, as lead partner in the Cool Route wish safe travels and fair winds to the CIT Sailing Club members, who tomorrow begin their long journey to Los Angeles!

This Thursday, led by 29er dinghy ace and CIT Sports Scholarship recipient Harry Durcan of Crosshaven on the helm and captain and Club Chairperson Grattan Roberts from Carrigaline, will be competing in the Port of Los Angeles Harbour Cup Invitational Regatta. The prestigious event, is hosted by Los Angeles Yacht Club (LAYC) and Cal Maritime Sailing. CIT Sailing Club is honoured to have been chosen to represent Ireland again this year .

Given the importance of this event, all the best sailing colleges in America apply for an invitation but only a handful get invited. CIT will be racing against the top five west and top four east coast American Universities that include the Naval and Coast guard academies over the course of a competitive 3-day event from the 8th to the 10th March (training on the 7th).

Training has been taking place in Crosshaven’s “Royal Cork Club” 1720s over the past few weeks. After placing tied for 5th last year including a few race victories, along with four returning crew members, CIT is really looking forward to returning to Los Angeles to have another shot at a great event and compete again for a 2019 podium finish.

Being awarded this unique opportunity to represent Ireland is a great honour for the sailors in CIT and the club itself. The invitation is as a result of our participation at last year’s event and our members’ sailing achievements. It is the nature of sailing that some of the most noteworthy international events are organised on a ‘by invitation’ basis.

There is no equivalent to this event in Irish varsity sailing and it is unlikely there ever will be. The opportunity to represent CIT and Ireland in this high profile event is a reason for sailors to consider coming to study in CIT. We wish Harry, Ronan, Scott, Grattan, Anna, Morgan, Georgia, Jack and Mark every success as they fly the CIT flag on the world stage. The Club is also delighted to have secured Coach Adam Hyland, whose vast experience includes coaching Irish Olympic teams.

BEST wishes to everyone- Fair Winds – STAY COOL and Bring Home the Medals.

About John Mcaleer

The Cool Route project investigates all aspects of the practical logistics and business potential to establish a bi-directional yacht cruising route along the offshore areas of the Northern Periphery Area.